A Surge in Home and Car Break-Ins in Glen Rock: A Growing Concern for Local Residents

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Glen Rock NJ, in early August, several Glen Rock homeowners reported a series of break-ins and attempted break-ins, highlighting a troubling trend that has been observed across the region. Glen Rock Police Chief Dean Ackermann addressed the issue, emphasizing the need for heightened vigilance and proactive measures.

“The Glen Rock Police Department, along with law enforcement agencies throughout the region, continues to receive reports of individuals prowling around homes overnight,” Chief Ackermann stated on Monday morning. “These prowlers are searching for unlocked vehicles, homes, and key fobs left in vehicles. We urge the public to always lock your homes, vehicles, and bicycles, and never leave key fobs or valuables in your vehicles. Promptly report any suspicious activity.”

Chief Ackermann also stressed the importance of not confronting prowlers directly. “If you see someone prowling around your home, do not confront them. Call 9-1-1 immediately. Numerous arrests have been made for these types of crimes, yet they continue to occur. Personal vigilance is your best defense.”

In Glen Rock, several residents only became aware of prowlers after reviewing surveillance footage. One such video captured three men wearing black ski masks and gloves prowling around a home.

Here’s a summary of the incidents reported in just two days:

1. Possible Wrong Address Incident On Saturday, Aug. 3, at 5:30 a.m., a resident reported a man attempting to enter their Crestwood Drive home. Police reviewed the footage and identified a young man who appeared intoxicated, stumbling onto the front steps and unsuccessfully attempting to unlock the front door. He then left the area. The incident is under investigation.

2. Three Men in Ski Masks On Sunday, Aug. 4, at 8:15 a.m., a Fairview resident reported surveillance footage showing three men in black ski masks and gloves prowling around their home the previous night. The men were seen walking up the driveway and around the side of the home before crossing the street. No damage or theft was reported, but the video has been handed over to the Detective Bureau for further review.

3. Attempted Vehicle Break-In Later that morning, around 8:49 a.m., a Gramercy Place resident discovered footage of a man attempting to enter a locked vehicle in their driveway at 4:17 a.m. The suspect, who had a thin strap beard, was seen wearing black sweatpants, black shoes, and a white t-shirt. He eventually left on a bicycle. This case is also under investigation.

4. Theft of $5,000 in Items At 1:25 p.m. that same day, a resident reported that their unlocked Range Rover was entered, and approximately $5,000 worth of items were stolen.

5. Forced Entry into a Vacant Home Later that evening, at 5:58 p.m., police responded to a report of forced entry at a vacant home on Boulevard. A neighbor reported that someone had kicked in the front door. Crime scene investigators from the Bergen County Sheriff’s Department processed the scene, and the case has been referred to the Detective Bureau.

As these incidents illustrate, the threat of break-ins and property crimes remains significant. Chief Ackermann’s advice is clear: Lock your doors, secure your valuables, and report any suspicious activity immediately.

 

Follow the Ridgewood blog has a brand-new new X account, we tweet good sh$t
https://twitter.com/TRBNJNews
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories